Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellite internet venture, Amazon Leo, has entered into an agreement with South Africa’s Herotel to provide broadband services to underserved communities, as global satellite operators intensify efforts to close Africa’s digital connectivity gap.
Under the partnership announced on Wednesday, Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider, will use Amazon Leo’s satellite technology to power a new broadband service known as evry.
The service is expected to become commercially available to residential customers in 2027, targeting households in areas where traditional internet infrastructure remains difficult and costly to deploy.
The partnership comes amid increasing competition among satellite internet providers seeking to expand across Africa, where millions of people still lack access to reliable and affordable internet services.
Satellite technology to reach remote communities
Amazon Leo and Herotel said the collaboration would help address long-standing connectivity challenges in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, small towns and farming communities.
Many of these locations remain beyond the reach of conventional fibre and wireless networks because the cost of extending infrastructure to sparsely populated areas is often too high.
David Zapolsky, Amazon’s chief global affairs and legal officer, said the partnership was aimed at improving access to digital opportunities.
“This collaboration is about breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunity for millions of people who don’t yet have reliable access for work, education, or the services they depend on,” Zapolsky said in a statement.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Herotel to provide local support network
Herotel’s existing infrastructure and nationwide presence are expected to play a key role in rolling out the satellite-based service.
The company, which is owned by Maziv, serves more than 350,000 customers across more than 550 towns through fibre and fixed wireless networks.
Herotel also operates 120 offices across South Africa, giving it an established platform for installation, customer support and field operations when the new service launches.
The company said its existing footprint would allow it to support customers using the satellite broadband service from the beginning of commercial operations.
Growing satellite internet competition in Africa
The deal comes as satellite internet companies race to establish a stronger presence across Africa’s emerging digital markets.
SpaceX’s Starlink is also seeking approval to enter South Africa, but its expansion has been delayed while authorities consider proposed changes to licensing rules.
The proposed regulatory adjustments could allow foreign satellite operators to meet South Africa’s local ownership and empowerment requirements through alternatives to direct equity participation.
Amazon Leo has also been building partnerships beyond South Africa. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with Vodafone to connect Vodafone’s network to mobile base stations in hard-to-reach areas across Africa through its South African subsidiary, Vodacom.
The latest agreement with Herotel highlights the growing role of satellite technology as telecommunications companies seek new ways to provide internet access in regions where traditional networks face geographic and economic limitations.